St Albans and Harpenden MPs respond to Prime Minister Theresa May’s resignation

Prime Minister Theresa May making a statement outside at 10 Downing Street in London. Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire/PA Images (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Mrs May revealed this morning that that she will end her three-year premiership as PM on June 7 - something St Albans MP Anne Main has described as the "right decision".

"This will have been a very difficult decision for the Prime Minister and I admire her commitment to public service," she said.

"She has made the right decision to step aside so we can elect a new leader that will deliver Brexit and get on with tackling the other issues that need to be addressed in our country."

Mrs Main campaigned for Brexit during the 2016 referendum, but said she would back the Withdrawal Agreement in March this year.

Bim Afolami and Anne Main. Photo: Chris McAndrew. (Image: Archant)

Also reacting to the news, Hitchin and Harpenden MP Bim Afolami tweeted this morning: "'Compromise is not a dirty word.' Very true. Thank you for your service Theresa May. Your sense of duty is sincere and palpable."

Later, Mr Afolami added: "Now the Conservative Party needs to pick a modern leader who can turn a fresh page, unite the party and the country, and make sure Jeremy Corbyn never gets anywhere near Downing Street - which will damage this country for decades.

"I will support whoever can do that most effectively."

Mr Afolami, who made his debut appearance on Question Time last week, has been a vocal supporter of Theresa May's Withdrawal Agreement.

Prime Minister Theresa May making a statement outside at 10 Downing Street in London. Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire/PA Images (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

In January the 33-year-old said: "Overall, there is overwhelming personal support for the Prime Minister. On the deal specifically, a large number of people who have written to me support it."

Speaking outside Downing Street this morning, Mrs May reflected on her attempts to secure a Brexit deal and how she will view her time in office.

She said: "I negotiated the terms of our exit and a new relationship with our closest neighbours that protects jobs, security and our union.

"I have done everything I can to convince MPs to back that deal, sadly I have not been able to do so, I tried three times.

"I believe it was right to persevere, even when the odds against success seemed high.

"But it is now clear to me that it is in the best interest of the country for a new Prime Minister to lead that effort, so I am today announcing that I will resign as leader of the Conservative and Unionist party on Friday, June 7, so that a successor can be chosen.

"I will shortly leave the job that has been the honour the honour of my life to hold. The second female Prime Minister, but certainly not the last.

"I do so with no ill will, but with enormous and enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love."